This section (verses 24-27) describes God’s solemn processions into the Temple, celebrating his victories over Israel’s enemies. The order of the procession (verses 25, 27) is fairly clearly stated. The entrance of Yahweh into the Temple was probably represented by the priests carrying in the Covenant Box. The plural processions may be taken to refer to various processions, or it may be understood as a superlative, “a great procession.” Thy solemn processions is difficult to express where such formal movements of people are not practiced. However, it is often possible to translate the idea as a time clause; for example, “when you go like a chief” or “when you walk like a soldier.” Note that God is referred to as my King.

The minstrels (Good News Translation “the musicians”) played stringed instruments. In contemporary English minstrels (Revised Standard Version, New American Bible, New English Bible) is highly misleading. “Tambourines” (Revised Standard Version timbrels) were small one-headed hand drums, sometimes with metallic disks or jingles attached to the sides, which were regularly played by women (see Exo 15.20, of Miriam and her companions).

The Hebrew for maidens refers to young girls of marriageable age.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Reyburn, William D. A Handbook on the Book of Psalms. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1991. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .